Handel's Messiah - Dunedin Consort - Hi-Fi News

01 August 2008Hi-Fi NewsChristopher Breunig

Some will remember Linn's not entirely convincing LP reissues from classic Decca sources; but this three-disc set is from its 2006 award-winning recording of Messiah, adopting the version performed in Dublin in 1742. As with the recent Dunedin St Matthew Passion, this is done with few singers (13) and small orchestra: 12 strings, two trumpets, timpani, organ and harpsichord. The annotation is superb and solo singers are identified within the libretto. ‘Majik', one might say - even if the scrollings are minuscule!